- First published
- Oct 14, 2026
National May 18 Democratic Cemetery
A national memorial cemetery in Gwangju honoring those who died during the May 18 Democratization Movement of 1980. The 40-meter memorial tower, portrait hall and memorial facilities invite reflection on modern Korean history.
- Address
- 200 Minju-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju, Republic of Korea (광주광역시 북구 민주로 200)
- Nearby transit
- Gwangju city bus 518 serves the 'National May 18 Democratic Cemetery' stop. Check current schedules and routing before departure.
- Hours
- The management office lists opening hours as 09:00-18:00 daily, with entry recommended by 17:00 to allow time for paying respects. Parking is free; VisitKorea lists admission as free. The children's learning center has a reduced-hours notice effective 1 October 2026; confirm its separate hours. Ask the office (+82-62-268-5189) about temporary restrictions or group visits.
This is an established memorial, not a new opening. Its official visitor and transit pages were checked on 31 October 2026. A notice says the children's learning center has operated reduced hours from 1 October 2026; check its specific schedule separately.
Why go
Visit respectfully to understand the May 1980 Gwangju Democratization Movement through its memorial tower and graves. This is a place of remembrance, not entertainment. The management office asks visitors to avoid sleeveless tops and slippers, prohibits smoking, and allows only guide dogs.
Plan the visit
Use the confirmed place facts below, then continue to the broader travel guides for transport, facilities and eating practicalities.